Formerly known as SMILE Therapy for Kids Calgary
5970 Centre St S, Unit 100 Calgary, AB, T2H0C2
Pediatric Physiotherapy in Calgary
The first appointment will allow us to learn all about your child and create a plan of action. Can't wait to meet you!
When to see a pediatric physiotherapist
Welcome to the Canadian Centre for Development! We understand that every child's developmental journey is unique, and sometimes, a little extra support is needed to ensure they reach their full potential. Our dedicated team of pediatric physiotherapist can support your child in many ways, from early intervention for developmental delays, to helping kids of all ages with all aspects of life, from keeping up with their peers at the playground to sports.
Seeing a neuropediatric physiotherapist is especially crucial if a child is born prematurely and/or is behind on reaching their motor milestones.
A great way to learn more about whether your child is on track is to book an Assessment appointment with one of our pediatric physiotherapists.
We’ve been taking our 5 month old son on a weekly basis, who was born with HIE and has gross motor skill delays. After only 3 sessions we are already amazed at the progress Beckett has made. His PT challenges Beckett but also stays so positive throughout the sessions. I truly believe the team at CCD will help Beckett reach his full potential with continued therapy, and I’m so grateful to have such an amazing resource near us. I highly recommend CCD for parents looking for a positive, hopeful healthcare experience with meaningful and noticeable results! - Chantale M. (Nov 2023)
Neonatal and Infant Assessments
They are certified and knoledgeable in many assessment tools, including:
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Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) Assessment (for birth to 40 weeks of age)
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General Movement Assessment (for birth to 20 weeks of age)
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Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) (for 3 to 24 months of age)
Having an assessment completed by a pediatric physiotherapist is especially critical if a child is born prematurely, experienced trauma at birth, and/or is delayed in their development.
A great way to learn more about whether your child is on track is to book an Assessment Consultation appointment with one of our pediatric physiotherapists. At the meeting, we'll be able to consult on which Assessment tool will be most applicable to your child.
Pediatric Physiotherapy for gross motor delays
Developmental delays in children are not uncommon. They can affect various aspects of a child's growth, including motor skills, communication, and social development. Early intervention is crucial in identifying and addressing these challenges, as it can significantly improve a child's long-term outcomes.
Research has shown that early intervention with pediatric physiotherapy can lead to remarkable progress in children with developmental delays. Quantitative studies have demonstrated that children who receive timely intervention often catch up to their peers in terms of developmental milestones.
Milestones to pay attention to are: rolling, sitting, army crawling, 4-point crawling, sitting, standing, and walking.
Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
Pediatric physiotherapy can be a crucial ally if your baby displays signs of torticollis (a wry, tight, stiff neck) or plagiocephaly (flat head). Our treatment approach often involves gentle stretching and strengthening of the affected neck muscles. We work in partnership with parents to incorporate daily routines that promote development and provide ideas for play activities.
Leg Alignment and Gait Assessment
As children grow, the shape of their legs and feet naturally changes. Some variations, such as "Knock Knees," "Bow Legs," "Pigeon Toed," or "Out-Toeing," may cause concern for parents and caregivers. Many of these issues self-correct with time, but persistent alignment problems may require attention.
A child's gait (the way they walk) evolves alongside their growing legs and feet. Misalignment can lead to an abnormal gait, influenced by factors such as bone alignment, muscle imbalance, tone, balance, pediatric conditions, or pain. Addressing an abnormal gait is vital, as it can impact a child's daily activities.
If you notice delays in your child's walking, frequent trips, or functional difficulties during walking or running, it may be time to consider a visit to a physiotherapist.
At the Canadian Centre for Development, our pediatric physiotherapists are skilled in analyzing the legs, feet, and gait of infants, toddlers, and young children. Following a comprehensive assessment, we provide insights into the root of the issue and offer tailored strategies to address it. This may encompass a stretching regimen, exercises to correct muscle imbalances, utilization of our various equipment, like the Trexo Robot or LiteGait, play activities promoting balance and endurance, or activities like walking on varying terrain to promote muscle development.
Additional Infant and Toddler Conditions
In addition to the above, we're well-prepared to address various other conditions that affect infants and toddlers, including flat feet and pronation, "growing pains" and joint discomfort, toe walking, hip dysplasia, and hypotonia.
Modalities used within pediatric physiotherapy sessions at the Canadian Centre for Development
include, but are not limited to:
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES or 'Muscle Stim'), Trexo Robot, TheraTogs, Universal Exercise Unit ('Spider Cage'), LiteGait, HyperVibe, Cuevas Medek Exercise (CME), Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), and others.